Bulb attachment for temperature limited environment

Abstract

The present invention provides a bulb attachment for a temperature limited environment. According to the invention, a sleeve is attached to a bulb in a bulb/reflector assembly. As the lamp operates, heat is diverted from the hottest portions of the bulb and into the sleeve, which results in a lower surface temperature of the bulb and allows compliance with UL standards. In some cases, the use of the sleeve allows for the use of higher power bulbs (and the associated increases in light output and brightness) without violating UL standards.

1 . A bulb assembly comprising: 
 a bulb;    a metal sleeve coupled to a portion of said bulb.    
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said metal sleeve is comprised of a brass.  
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2  wherein said metal sleeve is plated with a nickel.  
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said sleeve is coupled to said bulb via a press fit.  
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said sleeve is coupled to said bulb via adhesive cement.  
     
     
         6 . An assembly comprising: 
 a bulb;    a sleeve coupled to said bulb;    a reflector coupled to said sleeve.    
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein said sleeve includes a notch to attach said sleeve to said reflector using an attaching mechanism.  
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein said sleeve is comprised of a metal.  
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8  wherein said metal is brass plated with nickel.  
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 7  wherein said sleeve is coupled to said bulb via a press fit.  
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 7  wherein said sleeve is coupled to said bulb via adhesive cement.